Tag Archives: celebrity death

Finally a Settlement for James Brown’s Estate?

James Brown was known as the Godfather of Soul, Mr. Dynamite, the King of Funk, Soul Brother #1, and the Hardest Working Man in Show Business, but it seems that settling his estate may end up being the hardest working legal battle in show business. (This image, by dbking, is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License) Brown died on December 25, 2006 of congestive heart failure and complications from pneumonia. Every since then, his estate has been awaiting a settlement. Brown’s will spelled out the dispersion of his music rights, business assets, and real estate. When his attorney Strom … Continue reading →

Barack Obama’s Big Win and Tragic Loss

As you know, the Illinois Senator Barack Obama pulled off the biggest win of his political career last night. Last night, as the incumbent president gave his acceptance speech, he was surrounded by his family and approximately 240,000 supporters. He should be on top of the world at this particular moment in time. (Photo has been released into the public domain by the photographer, Tim Bekaert) But, there was something that put a damper on Obama’s history making win. His maternal grandmother, Madelyn Payne Dunham, died two days before the election. Madelyn and her husband, Obama’s maternal grandfather Stanley, raised … Continue reading →

Bernie Mac is Dead

He didn’t make it. Six days ago I blogged about actor Bernie Mac’s ill health. At the time, the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated TV star was said to be battling pneumonia in a Chicago hospital, but Mac’s rep told reporters that the comedian was on the road to recovery and was expected to be released in a few days. Sadly, it appears things didn’t turn out the way Mac and his loved ones had hoped. Less than an hour ago the actor’s publicist issued a statement saying that Mac passed away this morning from complications due to pneumonia. He … Continue reading →

George Carlin Dies

George Carlin the famously laid-back bearded, ponytailed comedian whose use of foul language made him a hit with fans and a target for critics died of heart failure late today. He was 71. According to Carlin’s publicist, the funnyman who stand-up act was immortalized in his “Seven Words You Can Never Say On TV” routine had a history of heart trouble. Reports say Carlin walked into a California hospital this afternoon complaining of chest pain and died a few hours later. The unapologetically irreverent comedian constantly took aim at people who tried to regulate his routine. When Carlin debuted his … Continue reading →

Harvey Korman Dies

He was the guy on “The Carol Burnett Show” who made my mom laugh the loudest. Harvey Kormen, the brilliant comedian, who won four Emmys for his hilarious contributions to TV, has died. He was 81. According to reports, Korman died in Los Angeles earlier today after suffering complications from the rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm four months ago. For the last few months he had been in and out of the hospital undergoing major surgeries. Before he got his award-winning gig on “The Carol Burnett Show” Korman gained notoriety on “The Danny Kaye Show,” appearing in skits with … Continue reading →

“Laugh-In” Star Dies

The man responsible for making phrases such as “Sock it to me” and “You bet your sweet bippy” famous has died. Dick Martin, who made millions smile on “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In,” died Saturday night of respiratory complications at a hospital in Santa Monica, California, according to news reports. He was 86. Given his health issues it really is amazing he lived as long as he did. Martin lost the use of one of his lungs when he was 17 and in the last several years he needed supplemental oxygen to stay alive. According to a family spokesperson, the legendary … Continue reading →

Charlton Heston Dies

Legendary actor Charlton Heston died last night. He was 84 years old. According to news reports, the Oscar winner’s wife of 64 years was by his side when he passed away in the couple’s Beverly Hills home. No word on what caused his death, but it was no secret that the movie star had been diagnosed with symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer’s disease. (In 2002 Heston appeared in a video confirming he was suffering from memory loss and other “challenges.”) Heston will likely be best remembered for his chariot-racing role in 1959’s “Ben Hur,” in which he won an … Continue reading →

Michelle Williams Copes with Loss

Somehow, some way, actress Michelle Williams has avoided the paparazzi since returning to New York following the death of her ex-fiancé Heath Ledger. By all accounts she did not fly to Los Angeles this past weekend for Ledger’s private memorial and word has it she will not be in Perth, Australia for the actor’s burial either. (Then again, how does anyone really know what her plans are?) The one thing that is certain about Williams’ future is that she still has a movie role waiting for her when she is ready to go back to work. According to production staff … Continue reading →

Heath Ledger’s Beverly Hills Memorial Service

Last night dozens of Heath Ledger’s friends and relatives gathered in Beverly Hills to remember the 28-year-old actor in a low-key ceremony that remarkably wasn’t swarmed by members of the paparazzi. The young father, whose dead body was discovered in his New York apartment Tuesday afternoon, was memorialized by A-list celebs including Australian actress Naomi Watts. The private event reportedly took place at the Beverly Hills Hotel just hours before the actor’s body was scheduled to return to his native Australia. That’s where news reports say Ledger’s family is planning to hold another memorial service before the “Brokeback Mountain” star’s … Continue reading →

Heath Ledger’s Death—What’s Real and What’s Rumor

Just as they did when Anna Nicole Smith was found dead, celebrity rumor mills have been working overtime in the days following Heath Ledger’s death. The fact that pills were found near the actor’s body certainly didn’t help to lessen growing speculation. Add to that the bizarre involvement of a masseuse who called Ledger’s alleged lady love former “Full House” actress Mary Kate Olsen before dialing 911 and you got the recipe for a full blown celebrity circus. So what is fact and what is fiction? Let’s break it down: THE FUNERAL According to a New York funeral home director, … Continue reading →